Foldable sleeping accommodations for attachment to a road vehicle

ABSTRACT

A portable sleeping mechanism, primarily for use atop a road vehicle, comprised of two sleeping decks, each on different levels and permanently interconnected by movable struts, which constitute the support-actuating means that collapses the unit and moves the upper deck down to a contiguous compaction on the lower deck for storage and transport; and also, expands the unit by orienting the decks on horizontal and parallel planes, one above the other transversalwise but offset longitudinalwise to provide sleeping space on both decks and adult standup dressing space at one end of the unit extending upward from the lower sleeping deck.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Wesley W. Kennedy 10014 SE. 8th St.,Bellevue, Wash. 98004 [21] Appl. No 815,266 [22] Filed Apr. 7, I969 [45]Patented Apr. 20, 1971 [54] FOLDABLE SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS FORATTACHMENT TO A ROAD VEHICLE 9 Claims, 16 Drawing Figs. [52] US. Cl....;..296/23, 5/8, 135/1, 296/27 [51] Int. Cl. 860p 3/34 [50] Field ofSearch 296/23. 1 23 (MC),27.; 5/8,9; 135/1 (A),5 (A) [56] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,357,787 11/1920 Locklin 5/9 3,466,083 9/ l969 Owen l35/l(A) Primary Examiner-Philip Goodman ABSTRACT: A portablesleeping mechanism, primarily for use atop a road vehicle, comprised oftwo sleeping decks, each on different levels and permanentlyinterconnected by movable struts, which constitute the support-actuatingmeans that collapses the unit and moves the upper deck down to acontiguous compaction on the lower deck for storage and transport; andalso, expands the unit by orienting the decks on horizontal and parallelplanes, one above the other transversalwise but ofiset longitudinalwiseto provide sleeping space on both decks and adult standup dressing spaceat one end of the unit extending upward from the lower sleeping deck.

PM'EPHEUAPR2019Y: 35 5 sum u 0F 4 FIGURE /3 F/GURE l4 Wes l' wiken ne dyll tDlLDAlliLliE SLEEPING ACCGIWMOIDATIONS FUR ATTACHMENT TU A l'kOAlDVIEIIIGLE This invention relates in general to a mechanism for sleepinguse and more particularly to a sleeping accommodation that istransported in a collapsed or folded configuration while mounted on aroad vehicle and which is designed for expansion to provide two-level,multiple place sleeping berths without removal from the transportingvehicle.

A variety of folding devices have been invented with the object ofproviding sleeping facilities for use in conjunction with a roadvehicle. Such inventions have not met with great favor by the usingpublic for reasons which have become apparent. In many of the priorinventions, the task of transforming the device from a collapsed to anexpanded configuration is unduly time consuming, entails substantialphysical labor and requires the services or supervision of one or moreadults with mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity in the assembly ofthe numerous detachable parts. A common objection to the priorinventions is that the devices create excessive wind drag, render thetransporting vehicle topheavy and vulnerable to side wind pressuresduring transit and create vehicle instability on deceleration. In someinstances, the installation of the sleeping device on self-propelledvehicles requires removal of the rear door or rear compartment cover orother body alteration of the transporting vehicle. Rear overhangingdevices on self-propelled vehicles obstruct rear window visibility.Trailer-mounted devices subject the equipment to stricter trafficregulations and increased insurance rates. In practically everyinstance, previously designed folding sleeping devices do not meetpopular demand for simplicity of operation and minimum standards ofusefulness, in that: (a) there is inadequate interior height for adultstandup space, (b) there is insufficient ventilation and (c) the onlyway of ingress and egress is through reduced portals, trap doors andcrawl ways.

It is, therefore, the object of this invention to provide a mechanism:

1. That is light in weight, low in cost and can be installed,transported and used on the transporting vehicle without makingstructural changes in the vehicle,

2. That is collapsible to its transport configuration with all thecomponents and accessories automatically folded and compactly stowed ina water and dusttight carrying case that is designed to reduce winddrag, creates no stability disturbances upon deceleration and onlyslightly raises the center of gravity of the transporting vehicle;

3. That is expandable to sleeping use configuration, comprising twolevels of multiple place sleeping berths, with adult standup heightinside the facility and all'within the vertical confines of thetransporting vehicle;

4. That is power activated so that transformation between the collapsedand expanded configurations is completed in a matter of seconds, withoutlaborious effort and without the handling of detached parts or manualinstallation of stabilizing devices;

5. That installation and use of the invention will not interfere in anymanner with the normal and full use of the vehicle to which it isreleasably attached; and

6. That provides in general an expandable and collapsible sleepingaccommodation for transport and use on a road vehicle, whichaccomplishes new and improved results of utility and convenience byoperational means different from prior inventions of the same class.

These, together with other objects, features and advantages, which willsubsequently become apparent, reside in the combination of elements,arrangement of parts and features of construction and operation, as morefully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being made to theaccompanying drawings which fon'n a part hereof, wherein like numbersconsistently refer to like parts throughout the various drawings.

FIG. I is a perspective view of the sleeping accommodation mounted inits collapsed configuration on the top of a fourdoor sedan-typeautomobile (shown in phantom outline) with the access ladder collapsedand laterally secured, ready for transport.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of this invention in itsexpanded configuration, with portions cut away to show internal elementsand operational parts, while carrier mounted and with access ladderextended, ready for sleeping use on top of a station wagon-typeautomobile (shownin phantom outline).

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, centerline sectional view of the collapsedsleeping accommodation, taken substantially on the vertical planeindicated by section line A-A in FIG. 1, showing compact stowage ofbedding when collapsed to transport configuration.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, sectional view along the lateral margin of thecollapsed accommodation, taken substantially on the vertical planeindicated by the Section line B-B of FIG. 2, showing the relativepositions of one bank of actuating strut mechanisms when fullycollapsed.

FIG. 5 is a similar to FIG. 4 except that the sleeping accommodation isexpanded midway between the fully collapsed and the fully expandedconfiguration, showing the relative positions of the bedding, sleepingberths and lateral banks of actuating strut mechanism.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5 except that the sleeping accommodation isfully expanded to show the relative location of the structural elementsand to demonstrate the adult standup height within the facility. 7

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a segment of the structural channel,the actuating travel block and the bolt connection of the push-pull rodsthat actuate the strut mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a segmentary view of the gear train and electric motor withdrive shaft, supplying torque force for expanding and collapsing theaccommodation.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit withbattery, switches and motor which provide the torque force used in FIG.8.

FIG. It) is a cross-sectional view of the sleeping accommodation showingrelative location of the sleeping decks, actuating strut mechanism andthrust force supplied by hydraulic ram connected between the twosleeping decks.

FIG. I1 is a similar to FIG. I0 except that the hydraulic ram, supplyingthrust force for expanding and collapsing the sleeping accommodation, ismounted on and moves with the upper sleeping deck.

FIG. 12 is a layout plan of the components and switching arrangement ofthe hydraulic pressure system which provides the thrust force used inFIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. I3 and M are each segmentary cross-sectional views respectively ofthe mechanism fully expanded and when it is half way collapsed, showingthe fold accumulator cable and spring-loaded block and tackle mechanismfor automatic folding and stowing the flexible enclosing media of thesleeping accommodation.

FIG. I5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional end view of the collapsedaccommodation showing the lateral enclosing media as automaticallyfolded and stowed inside the top cover ready for transport.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional elevated view of the accommodation fullyexpanded to show the tether'lines which The structural support andactuating mechanism consists of two lateral banks of movable strutsarranged in pivotally joined pairs, each in the configuration of anexpanded toggle joint. The support-actuating mechanism, as a subassemblyof this invention, provides unique and desirable results and is,therefore, separately declared and claimed as a separate invention.

The vertical horizontal rise and fall of the top cover, with referenceto the base of the compartment, lends itself to the use of a mechanicalmeans of folding and stowing of the flexible enclosing curtains whichremain attached at the top and bottom while the compartment is expandedand collapsed. The automatic folding and stowing mechanism is separatelydeclared and claimed as a patentable subassembly.

Diagonal bracing within the compartment is permanently attached betweenrigid stable members and movable members of the mechanism so that thebracing is automatically tightened by the expansion action of thesupport-actuating mechanism, thereby stabilizing the structure withoutexternal bracing or guy lines.

The lower sleeping deck, which is an integral part of the base of thisinvention, is supported by longitudinal spars, making it adaptable forattachment to either a towed or selfpropelled vehicle. If the rigid topof the self-propelled carrier vehicle does not have sufficient length onthe same plane to support both ends of the base, the unsupported end canbe sustained by upright load-bearing members, downward extending fromthe base to a stable part of the carrier vehicle, preferably secured toanchor lugs extending through the door jamb crack of the rearcompartment lid or the front hood cover, without making structuralchanges or inflicting blemishes to the vehicle.

Without decreasing its utility, the sleeping compartment can befabricated one bunk width on each sleeping deck so as to moreappropriately fit the narrower transversal span of the rigid top ofcompact and foreign automobiles.

The ease with which the bedding can be arranged in madeup form inreadiness for transport is a novelty of this invention. Prior inventionsof expandable and collapsible sleeping compartments are so low insidethat the bedmaker must support himself in a prone position upon the bedhe is attempting to arrange. This invention, with its dual-levelsleeping decks and standup space inside, pennits the bedmaker to standfirmly with both feet on the floor of the compartment while arrangingthe bedding of the upper bunks. The bunks on the lower sleeping deck canconveniently be reached by an adult when standing on the groundalongside the carrier vehicle. The flexible side curtains of thecompartment are releasably secured at their lower edges so that the armsand shoulders of the bedmaker can be extended across the lower sleepingbunks without the bedmaker supporting himself upon the bed beingarranged.

Actuation of the mechanism of this invention is entirely power operated.Except for the slight effort necessary to collapse the side rails of theaccess ladder and to swing it into its compact horizontal configurationfor transport, there are no detached parts requiring handling, assemblyor securing.

The ever increasing public use of state camp grounds and national parksfor overnight stays clearly establishes a need for a portable sleepingdevice having the arrangement and combination of parts and achieving theimproved results as hereinbefore generally outlined and as hereinafterspecifically set forth.

Referring now to the drawings, the carrier vehicle may be an automobilel as shown in phantom outline in FIGS. 1 and 2. If the carrier vehicleis an automobile, it preferably should be one with a rigid top 2. Thelower sleeping deck 3, shown in FIG. 5, is in the form of a shallow box,open on the upper side for the retention of the lower bunk bedding 4.The lower sleeping deck is comprised 'of transversal members andlongitudinal stringers 5, joined in a rectangular base frame, with arigid floor 6 secured to the base frame, all of which is encompassed bya low wall 7 attached to the ends and sides,

except that the wall does not cross the threshold 8, as shown in FIG.16.

The rigid base frame is secured to he transporting vehicle. If mountedon the top of an automobile, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the securementshould be by a detachable means so that the mechanism can be removedduring nonseasonal use or between trips. The device can be attached tothe automobile top luggage carrier rails or supported by the use of apressure plate 10. Because there is currently in use a variety ofsecuring means, each of which is adequate for this invention, noparticular securing means is described or claimed as a part of thisinvention.

A series of load-bearing struts 11, as the lower tier struts, arepivotally attached 12 at spacings along the longitudinal margins of thebase frame.

The upper sleeping deck 13 is comprised of a rectangular frame 14 whichis attached along its longitudinal margins to the upper ends of thelower tier struts by pivotal attachments 15. Preferably, the uppersleeping deck is fabricated of lightweight metal and spanned by aload-bearing material, preferably canvas or a netting of metal orsynthetic material, not actually visible in any of the drawings, for theretention and support of the upper bunk bedding 16.

Upon expansion of the assembly, the upper sleeping deck remainshorizontal while it simultaneously rises and travels longitudinally toan offset position as compared to the lower sleeping deck, thusproviding at one end and within the compartment a vertical space ofadult standup height 17, as depicted by the adult outline in FIGS. 2 and6.

A series of load-bearing struts 18, as the upper tier struts, aresecured by pivotal attachment 15 at spacings along the longitudinalmargins of the upper sleeping deck.

The top cover 19 in FIG. I, in the form of an open inverted box, servesas the canopy over the expanded compartment and also as to the coverunit of the carrying case for the collapsed compartment with all thecomponents stowed therein. The top cover is preferably fabricated oflightweight metal, although plastic or other synthetic material may besubstituted for the metal. The surface 20 is curved down at each end 21to reduce wind drag. The ends also serve as securement of the dependingshort skirt 22 which is attached along its top edge to the longitudinalmargins of surface 20. The top cover is pivotally attached 23 along itslongitudinal margins to the upper ends of the upper tier struts.

The sleeping decks are completely enclosed by flexible waterproofcurtains 24, 25, 26 and 27 attached to the top cover and downwardextends to the base frame. The curtain is contour tailored to conformthe upper sleeping deck extension and is secured to the base frame byreleasable fasteners 28. The side and end curtains are each fitted withsizeable crescent-shaped window openings 29, with the curtain not fullysevered so as to form a closure flap controllable from inside thecompartment by dual slide fasteners which secure the closure flap at anydesired position of closure. The window openings are each externallyfitted with insect netting 30. Side curtain 24 is also fitted with aningress and egress portal 31, which extends vertically from the loweredge of the curtain to the top cover and is located adjacent to the endof the compartment having the integral adult standup space. The portalopening is fitted with a flexible flap closure 32, which is marginallysecured by a slide fastener that is controlled from either inside oroutside the compartment.

As disclosed by FIGS. 8 and 9, the preferred means of power forexpanding and collapsing the compartment is supplied by direct currentelectric motor 33, which has dual shafts and reversible direction ofshaft rotation. The torque force of the motor shaft is transmitted byconnection to drive shaft 34 which is connected to the power-increasinggearbox 35. The drive shaft is terminally fitted with a common-type wormgear, meshed within the gear box with a worm wheel. The worm wheel isaffixed to the end an externally threaded screw member 36. The screwmember is fitted with an internally threaded travel block 37. Thethreaded screw member and travel block constitute a jackscrewarrangement which converts the torque force of the motor into a thrustforce for expanding and collapsing the sleeping compartment. A separatejackscrew arrangement is located on each of the longitudinal margins ofthe upper sleeping deck, each receiving its torque energy from the motor33, which is mounted midway transversalwise of the upper sleeping deck.The electric energy is supplied by battery 38, as shown in the circuitdiagram of FIG. 9. The maximum motion of the travel block 37 iscontrolled by the strategic location of limit switches 39 and the masterswitch 40. The master switch has three settings UP," DOWN and OFF.

Travel block 3'7 is kept in proper travel alignment by its confinementin channel M and by the retention of anchor bolt II, as shown in FIG.(it. Synchronization of motion in upper and lower tier struts isaccomplished by push-pull rods 4I2 and M. The upper end of push-pull rod42 is pivotally attached M to upper tier strut Id and its lower end ispivotally attached to anchor bolt II. The upper end of push-pull rod 43is pivotally attached to anchor bolt II and its lower end is pivotallyattached 45 to lower tier strut II.

FIGS. Iii and II show the alternative actuating power, comprised ofhydraulic rams as. The ram in each figure has reversible direction ofthrust and is comprised of the customary hydraulic cylinder 47, fittedwith piston M which is attached to piston rod d9. An identical ram islocated along each longitudinal margin of the sleeping compartment. InFIG. It the extemal end of the piston rod is pivotally attached 50 tothe upper sleeping deck frame 14 and the base end of the hydrauliccylinder is pivotally attached 5I to bracket 52 which is permanentlyaffixed to the lower sleeping deck longitudinal stringer 5. In FIG. II,the base end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the longitudinalmargin of the upper sleeping deck lateral frame Id and the external endof the piston rod is pivotally attached I to the common juncture of thepush-pull rods t2 and 43. Maximum piston rod travel serves as the fixedstop to prevent overtravel of the strut rotation.

As shown in FIG. I2, the hydraulic rams have their terminal connectionsaffixed respectively to hydraulic pressure lines 53 and 54. Thehydraulic lines are connected to hydraulic pump 55, which is connectedto and draws hydraulic fluid from reservoir 56, which is connected tohydraulic selector valvc $7. The direction of piston rod thrust iscontrolled by the selector valve settings: UI," DOM/N and NONFLOW (NFThe hydraulic piston rod can be locked in any position of extension byturning the selector valve to the NF" setting.

The hydraulic pump is attached to the underside of the lower sleepingdeck floor 6, with the pump handle extending externally so that it maybe operated by a person standing alongside the transporting vehicle. Thehydraulic reservoir 56 may be mounted on the base floor inside thecompartment, preferably at the end an opposite to the ingress and egressportal.

Side curtains M and are automatically folded and stowed by a series ofmechanism as shown in FIGS. I3, Id and I5, one unit of which iscomprised of a nonstretchable guideline 5b, which is attached at $9 toanchor rail 60 secured to the underside of longitudinal base frame 5.The guideline, which may be more descriptively referred to as the foldaccumulator cable, extends vertically through slide loops fiI, which areattached to the inside of the enclosing side curtains. At its lower end,each guideline is fitted with a loop-stopping lug 62. The guidelineextends to and is threaded through fixed pulley block ss, which isfitted with sheave wheels as and 65. The fixed pulley block is attachedto the underside near the lateral margin of the top cover surface 20,from whence the guideline extends transversalwise along the underside ofthe top cover to floating pulley block ss, which is fitted with sheavewheels is? and 68 and is also designed with anchor ring 69. From itslower point of anchorage, the guideline is tautly threaded, block andtackle fashion, successively through sheaves 64, 68, 65, 67 and thenceanchored to fixed pulley block 63. Anchor ring 69 of the floating pulleyblock is attached to a stretched segment of tether line 70, preferablymade of a coil spring which is anchored at its other end to skirt 22 ofthe top cover. As the top cover is lowered, the contracting tether line70 keeps guideline 58 taut at all times with the result thatloopstopping lug 62 accumulates the side curtain loops 61, thus drapingthe longitudinal flexible curtains into vertical folds that areautomatically stowed inside the lateral skirt of the top cover. As thecompartment is expanded from its collapsed configuration, the flexiblecurtains are automatically pulled from storage and the slide loops 6ispace themselves along the guideline.

As shown in FIG. I6, end curtain 26 is automatically stowed inside thecompartment by nonstretchable line 71, which is attached at its upperend at 72 to the upper sleeping deck lateral frame I4 and is anchored atits lower end 73 to the lower segment of end curtain 26. End curtain 27is automatically drawn inside the compartment by nonstretchable line 74,which is attached at 75 to end curtain 27, thence extending aroundsheave wheel 76 and thence terminally anchored at 77 to upper tier strut18.

As shown in FIG. 2, transversal bracing of the lower half of theexpanded compartment is provided by flexible nonstretchable stays 78,terminally affixed between movable strut II and a rigid transversal partof the upper sleeping deck. Similar stays 79 stabilize the upper half ofthe compartment by attachment between movable strut I8 and the rigidtransversal portion of the top cover. Each segment of the transversalbracing is automatically tightened when the compartment is expanded andis likewise loosened for more compact storage when the compartment iscollapsed.

Access from the ground level to the compartment floor level is providedby folding ladder 80, shown fully extended in FIG. 2 and as collapsedand mounted for transit in FIG. 1. The ladder consists of side rails 81and 82, with the steps or transversal treads 83, terminally attached byhinge joint 84 to the side rails. Side rail @I is pivotally attached 85to longitudinal stringer 5. The pivotal attachment of the one side railserves a dual purpose in that it stabilizes the ladder when extended inplace for use and also serves as the swivel point from which the laddermay be swung into a collapsed horizontal position for transport andmounting along the top cover skirt 22.

The access ladder is secured in its transport position by inserting thefoot or ground end of the side rail 82 through retention loop as. Asside rail $2 is slid longitudinally away from pivotal attachment 85, theside rails are brought into a close parallel position with the stepscompactly folded between. Spring-loaded latch b7 prevents longitudinaltravel of the side rail 82 and thus the ladder is securely retained inits folded or collapsed configuration. Normally, before attempting toelevate the top cover, the collapsed ladder should be removed from itstransport mounting. If, however, the top cover is elevated without firstreleasing the mounted ladder, no damages will result because the risingtop cover will automatically free side rail 82 from its securement bythe retention loop and the ladder will fall to its normal expandedvertical position.

Converting the accommodation from its collapsed carrying caseconfiguration to its expanded configuration for sleeping use isaccomplished with a minimum of physical effort in less time than ittakes to read these operating instructions. First, release the accessladder by raising latch 37, slide side rail 82 longitudinally to free itfrom retention loop 86 and then swing the ladder about its pivotalattachment into its normal expanded vertical position for use. Turn theselector switch to UP" position. (If the unit is actuated by hydraulicpressure rather than by electric motor, it will also be necessary tooperate the hydraulic hand pump.) Thus, the top cover is raised, thesleeping decks are separated, the side curtains are tautly positionedand the internal diagonal bracing is tightened, all simultaneously andwithout the handling of any torque force from the opposite direction,prevents the compartment from collapsing from its own weight regardlessof the position of expansion at which it may be intentionally stopped.Electric limit switches terminate the electric power drive when thecompartment reaches its fully expanded position. lf the unit is actuatedby hydraulic pressure, maximum piston rod travel serves as stops whenthe compartment reaches its fully expanded position.

One desiring to enter the compartment ascends the access ladder, andslides the door flap fastener up and across the top of the door opening.Thereupon, the compartment may be freely entered and occupied by anadult in full standup position at the end and in a prone position on thesleeping bunks. The offset upper sleeping deck may serve as a seat fortemporary use by the occupant while dressing. Ventilation is providedand can be regulated by internal operation of the slide fastenerssecuring the window flap closures.

Before attempting to collapse the compartment, the bedding should bespread out evenly on its respective bunk, preferably in a normal made-upform. Secure all window flaps in a closed position. Make sure that noperson occupies the compartment. By operation of the external slide;completely secure the door closure flap and make sure that the sidecurtains are anchored at their lower edge. The compartment is now readyto collapse to its compact configuration for transport. Turn theselector switch to DOWN" position. When the compartment has reached itsminimum compact configuration, rotate the selector switch to neutralposition (OFF" or NONFLOW"). All side and end curtains are automaticallyfolded and stowed within the top cover. The last act in readying theequipment for transit is to raise the groundengaging end of the accessladder, swing the ladder around horizontal and adjacent to thelongitudinal side skirt of the top cover and as the side rails of theladder are collapsed into close parallel proximity, guide thenonanchored side rail through the retention loop and make sure that thespringloaded latch is in proper position against the end of the ladderside rail. Remove the bumper jack, if one was installed for dampeningspring action of the carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle can then bemoved and used in the normal manner, with all components of the sleepingcompartment compactly secured on top of the carrier vehicle.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has beenmade only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details ofconstruction and the combination and arrangement of parts may beresorted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asherein claimed.

lclaim:

1. In a portable, expandable and collapsible mechanism for sleeping use,described in its expanded configuration, comprising in combination:

two dimensionally similar rigid members, as the lower and upper sleepingdecks, for the support and retention of bedding, cooperatively orientedone above the other breadthwise but offset lengthwise on horizontal andparallel planes with adult sleeping space between; and

a structural-support-actuating means for interconnecting the sleepingdecks, comprised of separate upstanding shafts affixed by pivotalattachment between two opposite lateral margins of the sleeping decks sothat a change in shaft attitude form upstanding to nearly horizontalposition will lower the upper sleeping deck to a juxtaposition above thelower sleeping deck, forming a compact configuration for transport.

2. In an expandable and collapsible device for two-level sleeping useand transport on a vehicle, described in its expanded configuration,comprising in combination,

two similar quadrangular load-sustaining members, as the lower and uppersleeping decks, for the support and retention of bedding, cooperativelyconfigured on horizontal and parallel planes with adult sleeping spacebetween and oriented one above the other spanwise but offset lengthwise,thus providing adult standup clearance at one extremity extending upwardfrom the lower sleeping deck member which is adapted for mounting avehicle;

a series of vertical struts, each separately interconnecting thesleeping deck members by pivotal attachment between two comparablemargins of the sleeping decks, constituting the support-actuating meansfor expanding and collapsing the device; and

mechanical means of power for expanding and collapsing the device,comprised of a reversible thrust force attached to and extending betweenthe two sleeping deck members.

3. In a two-level assembly that is collapsible for transport andexpandable for sleeping use on a vehicle, described in its expandedconfiguration, comprising in combination:

two rectangular framelike members of approximately equal width, as thelower and upper sleeping decks for the support and retention of bedding,spaced in horizontal and parallel relation one above the othertransversally with adult sleeping space between the decks andlongitudinally offset, thus affording adult standup height at one endextending upward from the lower sleeping deck which is adapted formounting on a vehicle;

a structural support-actuating means, comprised of multiple equal-lengthstruts terminally joined by pivotal attachment into straight linevertical pairs (strut pairs) spaced in bank along the longitudinalmargins of the sleeping decks, with the lower extremity of each strutpair pivotally attached to the longitudinal margins of the lowersleeping deck and with the interconnecting common juncture of each strutpair pivotally attached to the longitudinal margins of the uppersleeping deck, and a motion-synchronizing means attached to each strutbank;

a protective cover member, coextensive with an parallel spaced at adultstandup height above the lower sleeping deck, as the top cover with itslongitudinal margins rotatably attached to the upper extremity of eachstrut pair of the support-actuating means; and

an actuating means of power for expanding and collapsing the axaembly,comprised of a reversible thrust force mounted on the upper sleepingdeck and attached to the actuating mechanism.

4. In a two-level structure that is collapsible for transport andexpandable for sleeping use on a vehicle, described in its expandedconfiguration, comprising in combination:

two load-bearing rectangular platforms of approximately equal width, asthe lower and upper sleeping decks for the support and retention ofbedding, arranged in horizontal and parallel relation and cooperativelyspaced for sleeping purposes one above the other transversally butlongitudinally offset to permit adult standup space at one end extendingupward from the lower sleeping deck which is adapted for mounting on avehicle;

an interconnecting-actuating means, comprised of multiple strutsarranged in separate banks along the longitudinal margins of thesleeping decks, with each bank consisting of two terminally contiguoustiers of equal-length vertical struts, one tier above the other, alignedand pivotally interconnected by strut and attachment into separatevertical pairs (strut pairs), thus providing a series of expanded togglejoint configurations with the lower extremity of each strut pairconnected by pivotal attachment at spacings along the longitudinalmargins of the lower sleeping deck and the interconnecting commonjuncture of each strut pair pivotally attached at spacings along thelongitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck;

a motion-synchronizing means in each bank of struts,

comprised of two push-pull rods arranged in a V- configuration rotatedwith the contiguous rod ends adapted for pivotal attachment to a sourceof thrust power, and with the diverging rod ends rotatably attachedrespectively, one to an upper tier strut and one to a lower tier strutso that during all stages of expansion or collapse the Vtpoint of thepush-pull rods traverse a line adjacent to and parallel with thelongitudinal margin of the upper sleeping deck;

valve.

a rectangular frame with integral rigid floor, as the lower sleepingdeck, horizontally disposed for the support and retention of bedding,said frame being adapted for releasable attachment to an automobile;

an enclosing means, having a horizontally disposed rigid top 5 aplurality of verticalequal-length staffs, as the lower tier member and alaterally depending flexible media, as the staffs of thesupport-actuating mechanism, with the lower top, ends and sidesenclosing the assembly, with the rigid end of each staff pivotallyattached at selected spacings top pivotally attached along itslongitudinal margins to along the longitudinal margins Oftlle lower p gdeck; the upper extremity of each strut pair and with the Secondrectangular frame having transvel'sal load geplindirijg flexible mediaextending to the lower sleeping l gz gi taglia l gi as t tsllfp gt i lzlt Sl with ec ;an r rgms ptvo ya ac e o eupper en s two reversible thrusth d auli am h i h piston d, of the lower tier staffs and paralleloriented transversally separately installed between the sleeping decks,with the above but longitudinally Offset as compared to the lower heelor base end of the ram pivotally attached to a p g deck 503st) Psleeping Space between the longitudinal margin of the lower sleepingdeck and the decks and adult standup ffpace at one end extending pPiston rod it/ tag; lattached 0 hthe comparable g gg g zp gs staffs eachof coo eratrve on nu ma mar in 0 t e u er see in and a hydgraulicpressui pump conggcted m: approximate equal length and verticallydisposed with the hydraulic rams with an intervening reversible flowshutoff lower lands of each Staff Plvotauy attached at selected spacingsalong the longitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck;

a canopy, comprised of a rigid member with integral short dependingskirt, as the top cover with its longitudinal margins pivotally attachedto the upper ends of the upper tier of support-actuating staffs so thatit is oriented parallel to and at adult standup height above the lower5. In a two-level expandable and collapsible sleeping facility fortransport and use on an automobile, described in its expandedconfiguration, comprising in combination;

a rectangular floorlike member, asthe lower sleeping deck,

horizontally disposed for the support and retention of bedding, saidmember being adapted for attachment to an automobile; p g deck; I arectangular rigid frame with overlaid loadsustaining amotion-synchronizing means in each lateral bank of the media, as theupper sleeping deck, positioned parallel to suppon'actuatmg mechamsmicompnsed of two P pull rods arranged in a V-configuration rotated 90with the contiguous rod ends adapted for pivotal attachment to a sourceof thrust force, and with the diverging rod ends rotatably attachedrespectively, one to an upper tier staff and one to a lower tier staffso that during all stages of expansion or collapse the V-point of thepush-pull rods traverse a line adjacent and parallel to the longitudinalmargin of the upper sleeping deck; means of actuating force forexpanding and collapsing the compartment, comprised in each bank ofactuating mechanism of a movable thrust rod, mounted on the longitudinalmargins of the upper sleeping deck with the movable thrust rod pivotallyattached to the contiguous rod ends of the V push-pull rods in theadjacent bank of staffs, and a source of power simultaneously suppliedto the thrust mechanism; flexible enclosing curtain, attached to thelateral margins of the canopy, contour tailored and laterallyencompassing the compartment by downward extending to its releasableattachment to the lower sleeping deck; means of passageway,strategically cut through the enclosing curtain, to provide a closableingress and egress portal and controllable apertures for thetransmission of 5 5 light and air; and

a curtain folding and stowing means, for the automatic folding andstowing of the enclosing curtain, that is actuated by the expansion andcollapse of the compartment.

7. In a two-level, expandable and collapsible tentlike compartment,adapted for collapsed transport and sleeping use when expanded atop anautomobile, described in its expanded configuration,

a lower sleeping deck, comprised of a horizontally disposed rectangularbase frame with attached overlaid rigid floor and transversally abovethe lower sleeping deck, with the decks longitudinally offset andsleeping space between;

a rooflike member, with integral short skirt downward extending from itslateral margins, disposed parallel to and at adult standup height abovethe lower sleeping deck;

two lateral banks of interconnecting-actuating linkage, with each bankcomprised of two terminally contiguous tiers of vertical struts, onetier above the other, aligned and 40 pivotally interconnected by strutend attachment into separate vertical pairs (strut pairs), thus formingalong the longitudinal margins of the facility a series of expandedtoggle joint configurations, with the lower extremity of each strut pairpivotally attached at spacings along the longitudinal margins of thelowersleeping deck, with the interconnecting juncture of each strut pairpivotally attached at cooperative spacings along the longitudinalmargins of the upper sleeping deck and with the upper extremity of eachstrut pair. pivotally attached to the longitudinal margins of therooflike member;

motion-synchronizing push-pull rods in each lateral bank of struts, inthe configuration of a V rotated 90 with the contiguous rod ends adaptedfor pivotal attachment of thrust power and with the diverging rod endsrotatably attached respectively one to an upper tier strut and one to alower tier strut;

a means of enclosing the facility by flexible side and end curtains,designed with incised window openings and an ingress and egress portal,with the upper and lower extremity of the curtains attached respectivelyto the skirt of the rooflike member and to the external margins of thelower sleeping deck; and

two jackscrew assemblies, for expanding and collapsing the facility,mounted one each on the longitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck,separately connected through a gearbox to a common source of torqueforce, with its drivescrew titted with an internally threaded travelblock that is pivotally attached to the common juncture of the push-pullrods.

t. in a twolevel sleeping compartment, expandable for sleeping use andcollapsible for transport on an automobile, described in its expandedconfiguration, comprising in combination:

its lower end pivotally attached at a selected location along thelongitudinal margin of the lower sleeping deck; an upper sleeping deck,comprised of a rectangular rigid frame spanned by a load-sustainingflexible media, with llli its longitudinal margins pivotally attached tothe upper extremity of the lower tier struts, said sleeping deck beingsimilar in size and configuration and parallel oriented transversallyabove but longitudinally offset as compared to the lower sleeping deckso as to provide adult sleeping space between the decks and standupheight at one end extending upward from the floor of the lower sleepingdeck;

an upper tier of support-actuating struts, comprised of multipleequal-length rigid shafts, each vertically disposed with its lower endpivotally attached at a selected location along the longitudinal marginsof the upper sleeping deck;

a rigid top cover, comprised of a horizontal rectangular member,comparable in configuration and size to the base frame and havingintegral short depending marginal skirt, which top cover is superimposed parallel to and at adult standup height above the base floor andpivotally attached, at spaced positions along the longitudinal margins,to the upper extending ends of the upper tier struts, thus providing anoverhead canopy when the compartment is expanded and which also servesas an enclosing cover for the entire mechanism when collapsed into itscarrying case configuration;

motion-synchronizing linkage, comprised of two push-pull rods in eachlateral bank of struts arranged in the configuration of a V rotated 90with the contiguous rod ends pivotally interconnected and adapted forattachment to a source of thrust power, and with the diverging rod endsrotatably attached respectively, one to an upper tier strut and theother to the companion lower tier strut so that during all stages ofexpansion and collapse of the compartment, the V-point of the push-pullrods will traverse a line adjacent and parallel to the longitudinalmargin of the upper sleeping deck;

a reversible electric motor mounted on the upper sleeping deck and dualconnected, each to a lateral bank of support-actuating struts by a driveshaft, in train with a worm gear drive and threaded jackscrew fittedwith an internally threaded travel block which is pivotally attached tothe common juncture of the V push-pull rods, as the power means forexpanding and collapsing the compartment; and

transversal stabilizers, comprised of separate units of flexiblenonstretchable stays, diagonally affixed by attachment between a stabletransversal member of the compartment and a movable strut;

a flexible waterproof curtain, attached to the top-cover marginal skirt,contour tailored and laterally encompassing the compartment by downwardextending to its releasable attachment to the four margins of the baseframe;

an ingress and egress portal cut through the lateral encompassingcurtain adjacent to the standup space within the compartment, in aconfiguration that leaves an unsevered portion of the curtain as aclosure flap;

multiple window openings cut through the encompassing curtain to provideflow of light and air, each fitted extemally with insect barriernetting, and in a configuration having an unsevered portion of thecurtain as an adjustable closure flap;

an automatic curtain folding and stowing device, actuated by the riseand fall of the top cover, comprised of a series of nonstretchable guidelines, each fitted with a loopstopping lug near the point where the lineis permanently anchored to the base frame, from whence the line extendsupward inside the curtain through attached curtain loops and thencethrough a block and tackle arrangement, first through a fixed pulleyblock and thence through a floating pulley block, each block having twopulleys, with the guideline kept taut by a springlike anchor lineattached between the floating pulley block and the anchor linesccurement to the underside of the top cover; and

an access ladder with steps hingedly attached to the side rails and withthe upper end of one side rail pivotally attached to the base frame sothat the ladder can be swung to a horizontal position for mounting alongthe longitudinal skirt of the top cover when the compartment iscollapsed for transport.

8. [n a horizontal elevating and lowering mechanism, as a subassembly,for use with a vertical expanding and collapsing sleeping assembly whichhas a horizontal base, a movable top coverand a movable upper sleepingdeck intervening parallel between the base and the top cover, whichsubassembly is now declared subcombination, configuration, comprising incombination:

claimed as a described in its and separately herein patentable expandedmultiple movable struts of approximately equal length, verticallyarranged in two tiers, one tier superimposed above the other and spacedin comparable numbers, as opposite lateral banks of struts, along thelongitudinal margins of the sleeping assembly, with a strut of the lowertier aligned with a strut of the upper tier by pivotal interconnectionat their adjacent terminals, forming a series' of strut pairs, each inan expanded toggle joint configuration with the lower and upperextremity of each strut pair fashioned for pivotal attachmentrespectively to comparable lateral margins of the base and the movabletop cover, and having the common juncture of each strut pair designedfor pivotal attachment to the cooperating lateral margin of the movableupper sleeping deck; and

a motion-synchronizing means in each strut bank, comprised of twopush-pull rods arranged in the configuration of a V rotated with thecontiguous rod ends pivotally interconnected and with the diverging rodends rotatably attached respectively, one to an upper tier strut and theother to a lower tier strut so that during all stages of expansion andcollapse of the sleeping assembly the V-point of the push-pull rods willtraverse a line adjacent and parallel to the longitudinal margin of theupper sleeping deck;

9. In a curtain folding and stowing assembly for use with an expandableand collapsible sleeping compartment which has a horizontal base, amovable top cover, interconnecting expanding and collapsing mechanismand lateral enclosing flexible curtain, which curtain folding andstowing assembly is now declared and separately claimed as asubcombination, consisting of a series of identical units, one of whichis herein described in its expanded configuration, comprising incombination:

a two-sheave fixed pulley block attached to the underside and near thelateral margin of the top cover;

a two-sheave floating pulley block, statically described as beinglocated near the underside and approximately midway transversalwise ofthe top cover and which floating pulley block moves transversal andparallel to the top cover;

a nonstretchable guideline with its adjustable loop-stopping lug,anchored at its lower end to the sleeping compartment base, thenceextending upward through a series of slidable loops affixed in verticalalignment to the inside of the flexible enclosing curtain, with saidguideline further extending, in block and tackle threading fashion,first through the fixed pulley block and thence through the floatingpulley block, with the extended end of the guideline affixed to thefixed pulley block; and

a stretched segment of springlike tether attached to the floating pulleyblock and thence extending transvcrsal the cover, from which theenclosing curtains are suspended, causes the loop-stopping lug toaccumulate the curtain loops,

thus stowing the flexible enclosing curtain in vertical folds within thesleeping compartment.

1. In a portable, expandable and collapsible mechanism for sleeping use,described in its expanded configuration, comprising in combination: twodimensionally similar rigid members, as the lower and upper sleepingdecks, for the support and retention of bedding, cooperatively orientedone above the other breadthwise but offset lengthwise on horizontal andparallel planes with adult sleeping space between; and astructural-support-actuating means for interconnecting the sleepingdecks, comprised of separate upstanding shafts affixed by pivotalattachment between two opposite lateral margins of the sleeping decks sothat a change in shaft attitude form upstanding to nearly horizontalposition will lower the upper sleeping deck to a juxtaposition above thelower sleeping deck, forming a compact configuration for transport. 2.In an expandable and collapsible device for two-level sleeping use andtransport on a vehicle, described in its expanded configuration,comprising in combination, two similar quadrangular load-sustainingmembers, as the lower and upper sleeping decks, for the support andretention of bedding, cooperatively configured on horizontal andparallel planes with adult sleeping space between and oriented one abovethe other spanwise but offset lengthwise, thus providing adult standupclearance at one extremity extending upward from the lower sleeping deckmember which is adapted for mounting a vehicle; a series of verticalstruts, each separately interconnecting the sleeping deck members bypivotal attachment between two comparable margins of the sleeping decks,constituting the support-actuating means for expanding and collapsingthe device; and mechanical means of power for expanding and collapsingthe device, comprised of a reversible thrust force attached to andextending between the two sleeping deck members.
 3. In a two-levelassembly that is collapsible for transport and expandable for sleepinguse on a vehicle, described in its expanded configuration, comprising incombination: two rectangular framelike members of approximately equalwidth, as the lower and upper sleeping decks for the support andretention of bedding, spaced in horizontal and parallel relation oneabove the other transversally with adult sleeping space between thedecks and longitudinally offset, thus affording adult standup height atone end extending upward from the lower sleeping deck which is adaptedfor mounting on a vehicle; a structural support-actuating means,comprised of multiple equal-length struts terminally joined by pivotalattachment into straight line vertical pairs (strut pairs) spaced inbank along the longitudinal margins of the sleeping decks, with thelower extremity of each strut pair pivotally attached to thelongitudinal margins of the lower sleeping deck and with theinterconnecting common juncture of each strut pair pivotally attached tothe longitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck, and amotion-synchronizing means attached to each strut bank; a protectivecover member, coextensive with an parallel spaced at adult standupheight above the lower sleeping deck, as the top cover with itslongitudinal margins rotatably attached to the upper extremity of eachstrut pair of the support-actuating means; and an actuating means ofpower for eXpanding and collapsing the assembly, comprised of areversible thrust force mounted on the upper sleeping deck and attachedto the actuating mechanism.
 4. In a two-level structure that iscollapsible for transport and expandable for sleeping use on a vehicle,described in its expanded configuration, comprising in combination: twoload-bearing rectangular platforms of approximately equal width, as thelower and upper sleeping decks for the support and retention of bedding,arranged in horizontal and parallel relation and cooperatively spacedfor sleeping purposes one above the other transversally butlongitudinally offset to permit adult standup space at one end extendingupward from the lower sleeping deck which is adapted for mounting on avehicle; an interconnecting-actuating means, comprised of multiplestruts arranged in separate banks along the longitudinal margins of thesleeping decks, with each bank consisting of two terminally contiguoustiers of equal-length vertical struts, one tier above the other, alignedand pivotally interconnected by strut and attachment into separatevertical pairs (strut pairs), thus providing a series of expanded togglejoint configurations with the lower extremity of each strut pairconnected by pivotal attachment at spacings along the longitudinalmargins of the lower sleeping deck and the interconnecting commonjuncture of each strut pair pivotally attached at spacings along thelongitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck; a motion-synchronizingmeans in each bank of struts, comprised of two push-pull rods arrangedin a V-configuration rotated 90* with the contiguous rod ends adaptedfor pivotal attachment to a source of thrust power, and with thediverging rod ends rotatably attached respectively, one to an upper tierstrut and one to a lower tier strut so that during all stages ofexpansion or collapse the V-point of the push-pull rods traverse a lineadjacent to and parallel with the longitudinal margin of the uppersleeping deck; an enclosing means, having a horizontally disposed rigidtop member and a laterally depending flexible media, as the top, endsand sides enclosing the assembly, with the rigid top pivotally attachedalong its longitudinal margins to the upper extremity of each strut pairand with the depending flexible media extending to the lower sleepingdeck; and two reversible thrust hydraulic rams, each with piston rod,separately installed between the sleeping decks, with the heel or baseend of the ram pivotally attached to a longitudinal margin of the lowersleeping deck and the piston rod pivotally attached to the comparablecooperative longitudinal margin of the upper sleeping deck, and ahydraulic pressure pump connected to the hydraulic rams with anintervening reversible flow shutoff valve.
 5. In a two-level expandableand collapsible sleeping facility for transport and use on anautomobile, described in its expanded configuration, comprising incombination; a rectangular floorlike member, as the lower sleeping deck,horizontally disposed for the support and retention of bedding, saidmember being adapted for attachment to an automobile; a rectangularrigid frame with overlaid load-sustaining media, as the upper sleepingdeck, positioned parallel to and transversally above the lower sleepingdeck, with the decks longitudinally offset and sleeping space between; arooflike member, with integral short skirt downward extending from itslateral margins, disposed parallel to and at adult standup height abovethe lower sleeping deck; two lateral banks of interconnecting-actuatinglinkage, with each bank comprised of two terminally contiguous tiers ofvertical struts, one tier above the other, aligned and pivotallyinterconnected by strut end attachment into separate vertical pairs(strut pairs), thus forming along the longitudinal margins of thefacility a series of expanded toggle joint configurations, with thelower extremity of each strut pair Pivotally attached at spacings alongthe longitudinal margins of the lower sleeping deck, with theinterconnecting juncture of each strut pair pivotally attached atcooperative spacings along the longitudinal margins of the uppersleeping deck and with the upper extremity of each strut pair pivotallyattached to the longitudinal margins of the rooflike member;motion-synchronizing push-pull rods in each lateral bank of struts, inthe configuration of a V rotated 90* with the contiguous rod endsadapted for pivotal attachment of thrust power and with the divergingrod ends rotatably attached respectively one to an upper tier strut andone to a lower tier strut; a means of enclosing the facility by flexibleside and end curtains, designed with incised window openings and aningress and egress portal, with the upper and lower extremity of thecurtains attached respectively to the skirt of the rooflike member andto the external margins of the lower sleeping deck; and two jackscrewassemblies, for expanding and collapsing the facility, mounted one eachon the longitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck, separatelyconnected through a gearbox to a common source of torque force, with itsdrivescrew fitted with an internally threaded travel block that ispivotally attached to the common juncture of the push-pull rods.
 6. In atwo-level sleeping compartment, expandable for sleeping use andcollapsible for transport on an automobile, described in its expandedconfiguration, comprising in combination: a rectangular frame withintegral rigid floor, as the lower sleeping deck, horizontally disposedfor the support and retention of bedding, said frame being adapted forreleasable attachment to an automobile; a plurality of verticalequal-length staffs, as the lower tier staffs of the support-actuatingmechanism, with the lower end of each staff pivotally attached atselected spacings along the longitudinal margins of the lower sleepingdeck; a second rectangular frame having transversal load-sustainingmedia, as the upper sleeping deck, with its longitudinal marginspivotally attached to the upper ends of the lower tier staffs andparallel oriented transversally above but longitudinally offset ascompared to the lower sleeping deck so as to provide sleeping spacebetween the decks and adult standup space at one end extending upwardfrom the lower sleeping deck; an upper tier of support-actuating staffs,each of approximate equal length and vertically disposed with the lowerends of each staff pivotally attached at selected spacings along thelongitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck; a canopy, comprised ofa rigid member with integral short depending skirt, as the top coverwith its longitudinal margins pivotally attached to the upper ends ofthe upper tier of support-actuating staffs so that it is orientedparallel to and at adult standup height above the lower sleeping deck; amotion-synchronizing means in each lateral bank of the support-actuatingmechanism, comprised of two push-pull rods arranged in a V-configurationrotated 90* with the contiguous rod ends adapted for pivotal attachmentto a source of thrust force, and with the diverging rod ends rotatablyattached respectively, one to an upper tier staff and one to a lowertier staff so that during all stages of expansion or collapse theV-point of the push-pull rods traverse a line adjacent and parallel tothe longitudinal margin of the upper sleeping deck; means of actuatingforce for expanding and collapsing the compartment, comprised in eachbank of actuating mechanism of a movable thrust rod, mounted on thelongitudinal margins of the upper sleeping deck with the movable thrustrod pivotally attached to the contiguous rod ends of the V push-pullrods in the adjacent bank of staffs, and a source of powersimultaneously supplied to the thrust mechanism; flexible enclosingcurtain, attached to the lateral margins of the canopy, contOur tailoredand laterally encompassing the compartment by downward extending to itsreleasable attachment to the lower sleeping deck; means of passageway,strategically cut through the enclosing curtain, to provide a closableingress and egress portal and controllable apertures for thetransmission of light and air; and a curtain folding and stowing means,for the automatic folding and stowing of the enclosing curtain, that isactuated by the expansion and collapse of the compartment.
 7. In atwo-level, expandable and collapsible tentlike compartment, adapted forcollapsed transport and sleeping use when expanded atop an automobile,described in its expanded configuration, a lower sleeping deck,comprised of a horizontally disposed rectangular base frame withattached overlaid rigid floor and integral upward extending lowsidewalls, for the support and retention of bedding and in support ofsuper structure, said deck being adapted for detachable mounting atop anautomobile; a lower tier of support-actuating struts, comprises ofmultiple equal-length shafts, each vertically disposed with its lowerend pivotally attached at a selected location along the longitudinalmargin of the lower sleeping deck; an upper sleeping deck, comprised ofa rectangular rigid frame spanned by a load-sustaining flexible media,with its longitudinal margins pivotally attached to the upper extremityof the lower tier struts, said sleeping deck being similar in size andconfiguration and parallel oriented transversally above butlongitudinally offset as compared to the lower sleeping deck so as toprovide adult sleeping space between the decks and standup height at oneend extending upward from the floor of the lower sleeping deck; an uppertier of support-actuating struts, comprised of multiple equal-lengthrigid shafts, each vertically disposed with its lower end pivotallyattached at a selected location along the longitudinal margins of theupper sleeping deck; a rigid top cover, comprised of a horizontalrectangular member, comparable in configuration and size to the baseframe and having integral short depending marginal skirt, which topcover is super imposed parallel to and at adult standup height above thebase floor and pivotally attached, at spaced positions along thelongitudinal margins, to the upper extending ends of the upper tierstruts, thus providing an overhead canopy when the compartment isexpanded and which also serves as an enclosing cover for the entiremechanism when collapsed into its carrying case configuration;motion-synchronizing linkage, comprised of two push-pull rods in eachlateral bank of struts arranged in the configuration of a V rotated 90*with the contiguous rod ends pivotally interconnected and adapted forattachment to a source of thrust power, and with the diverging rod endsrotatably attached respectively, one to an upper tier strut and theother to the companion lower tier strut so that during all stages ofexpansion and collapse of the compartment, the V-point of the push-pullrods will traverse a line adjacent and parallel to the longitudinalmargin of the upper sleeping deck; a reversible electric motor mountedon the upper sleeping deck and dual connected, each to a lateral bank ofsupport-actuating struts by a drive shaft, in train with a worm geardrive and threaded jackscrew fitted with an internally threaded travelblock which is pivotally attached to the common juncture of the Vpush-pull rods, as the power means for expanding and collapsing thecompartment; and transversal stabilizers, comprised of separate units offlexible nonstretchable stays, diagonally affixed by attachment betweena stable transversal member of the compartment and a movable strut; aflexible waterproof curtain, attached to the top-cover marginal skirt,contour tailored and laterally encompassing the compartment by downwardextending to its releasable attachment to the four margins of the baseframe; an ingress and egress portal cut through the lateral encompassingcurtain adjacent to the standup space within the compartment, in aconfiguration that leaves an unsevered portion of the curtain as aclosure flap; multiple window openings cut through the encompassingcurtain to provide flow of light and air, each fitted externally withinsect barrier netting, and in a configuration having an unseveredportion of the curtain as an adjustable closure flap; an automaticcurtain folding and stowing device, actuated by the rise and fall of thetop cover, comprised of a series of nonstretchable guide lines, eachfitted with a loop-stopping lug near the point where the line ispermanently anchored to the base frame, from whence the line extendsupward inside the curtain through attached curtain loops and thencethrough a block and tackle arrangement, first through a fixed pulleyblock and thence through a floating pulley block, each block having twopulleys, with the guideline kept taut by a springlike anchor lineattached between the floating pulley block and the anchor linesecurement to the underside of the top cover; and an access ladder withsteps hingedly attached to the side rails and with the upper end of oneside rail pivotally attached to the base frame so that the ladder can beswung to a horizontal position for mounting along the longitudinal skirtof the top cover when the compartment is collapsed for transport.
 8. Ina horizontal elevating and lowering mechanism, as a subassembly, for usewith a vertical expanding and collapsing sleeping assembly which has ahorizontal base, a movable top cover and a movable upper sleeping deckintervening parallel between the base and the top cover, whichsubassembly is now declared and separately claimed as a patentablesubcombination, herein described in its expanded configuration,comprising in combination: multiple movable struts of approximatelyequal length, vertically arranged in two tiers, one tier superimposedabove the other and spaced in comparable numbers, as opposite lateralbanks of struts, along the longitudinal margins of the sleepingassembly, with a strut of the lower tier aligned with a strut of theupper tier by pivotal interconnection at their adjacent terminals,forming a series of strut pairs, each in an expanded toggle jointconfiguration with the lower and upper extremity of each strut pairfashioned for pivotal attachment respectively to comparable lateralmargins of the base and the movable top cover, and having the commonjuncture of each strut pair designed for pivotal attachment to thecooperating lateral margin of the movable upper sleeping deck; and amotion-synchronizing means in each strut bank, comprised of twopush-pull rods arranged in the configuration of a V rotated 90* with thecontiguous rod ends pivotally interconnected and with the diverging rodends rotatably attached respectively, one to an upper tier strut and theother to a lower tier strut so that during all stages of expansion andcollapse of the sleeping assembly the V-point of the push-pull rods willtraverse a line adjacent and parallel to the longitudinal margin of theupper sleeping deck; all of which, when so assembled, united andactuated in conjunction with an expandable and collapsible sleepingassembly, raises and lowers the movable sleeping deck and movable topcover, while each movable member remains horizontal and parallel to thebase at all stages of elevation, with the movable sleeping decktraveling longitudinally to an offset position above the base, therebyproviding adult standup height at one end within the expanded sleepingassembly.
 9. In a curtain folding and stowing assembly for use with anexpandable and collapsible sleeping compartment which has a horizontalbase, a movable top cover, interconnecting expanding and collapsingmechanism and lateral enclosing flexible curtain, which curtain foldingand stowing assembly is now declared and separately claimed As asubcombination, consisting of a series of identical units, one of whichis herein described in its expanded configuration, comprising incombination: a two-sheave fixed pulley block attached to the undersideand near the lateral margin of the top cover; a two-sheave floatingpulley block, statically described as being located near the undersideand approximately midway transversalwise of the top cover and whichfloating pulley block moves transversal and parallel to the top cover; anonstretchable guideline with its adjustable loop-stopping lug, anchoredat its lower end to the sleeping compartment base, thence extendingupward through a series of slidable loops affixed in vertical alignmentto the inside of the flexible enclosing curtain, with said guidelinefurther extending, in block and tackle threading fashion, first throughthe fixed pulley block and thence through the floating pulley block,with the extended end of the guideline affixed to the fixed pulleyblock; and a stretched segment of springlike tether attached to thefloating pulley block and thence extending transversal the top cover toits point of anchorage to the underside and lateral margin of the topcover opposite from the fixed pulley block; each of which units, when sosingly arranged and multiply assembled, keeps the guidelines taut at allstages of expansion and collapse of the compartment and the lowering ofthe top cover, from which the enclosing curtains are suspended, causesthe loop-stopping lug to accumulate the curtain loops, thus stowing theflexible enclosing curtain in vertical folds within the sleepingcompartment.